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World Religions
Gerrit van Dyk, Secretary

LEADERSHIP (2018-2019)

• Drew Baker, Claremont School of Theology, Chair
• Brian Wright, Colorado Christian University, Chair-Elect
• Megan Welsh, University of Colorado, Past Chair
• Gerrit van Dyk, Brigham Young University, Secretary 

BUSINESS MEETING SUMMARY

Discussed WRIG’s potential influence:
• work to help Atla better reflect the multireligious world we 

live in
• provide a safe space for non-Christians (Open Conversation 

Circle?)
• open Atla up to a wider exposure of religious libraries
• amplify voices that aren’t often heard.

Discussed programming ideas:
• podcast initiative
• getting listserv active again
• information gathering on unaccredited religious schools and 

explore how Atla can be of help to them.

Brainstormed ideas for next year’s conference, including a panel on 
cultural/religious competencies for librarians.

Nominated new chair (Brian Wright) and Vice-Chair (Beth Kumar).



18  ANNUAL YEARBOOK

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES (HOSTED PROGRAMS)

Atla Annual conference session: “So Your School is Becoming More Reli-
giously Diverse”
Presenters: Drew Baker, Beth Kumar, Patrick Milas, Brian Wright

Over the past decade, many Atla member institutions have become 
increasingly religiously diverse. From larger actions, like starting 
new interreligious programs or partnering with other institutions, 
to smaller steps, like changing branding and programming, many 
institutions have actively sought to become more ecumenical and/
or interreligious and attract more students from religious traditions 
beyond the institutions’ particular historical traditions. Given this 
reality, how can librarians at these schools adapt to serve their 
increasingly religiously diverse students better? What do librarians 
whose institutions are moving in more ecumenical or inter-religious 
directions need to consider? From collection development to 
reference and instruction, this panel will reflect on their topic as the 
panelists raise important questions and provide helpful practical 
advice based on their experiences at their own institutions.

Atla Annual conference session: “Spiritual Care in a Multicultural and 
Interfaith Environment”
Presenters: Syed Nasir Zaidi

Dr. Syed Nasir Zaidi, Research Associate at Vancouver School of 
Theology, scholar of Quran & Islamic theology, and interfaith chaplain, 
will speak about lessons learned from providing spiritual care in a 
multicultural and interfaith environment.


